Alyssa looks over Lily’s head at me. I can see the indecision on her face. She doesn’t want to let Lily down yet is unsure what to say.
Just because I’m finding it hard to be around Alyssa doesn’t mean I should take the joy away from Lily. She obviously loves Alyssa. She’s become an important person in her life. Why else would Lily include Alyssa in a school project? If I’m worriedLily’s getting attached, well, I think it’s already happened. If I can keep their relationship in the dance studio, there shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll let Lily have this one more thing, then it’s dancing only.
“It starts at ten AM. If you have time, we would love for you to join us.”
Alyssa’s eyes widen like she wasn’t expecting the invitation from me. “I’d love to see your classroom, especially your work,” she says to Lily.
“Yes!” Lily beams with excitement.
“Would you like me to pick you up?” I ask.
“That’s okay. I’ll find my own way.”
“I’ll message you the school’s address and Lily’s classroom.”
She nods. “Well, I’ll see you Thursday, Lily.”
“Bye,” Lily says and runs from the room and up the stairs.
I follow Alyssa to the front door. “Thanks for doing this for Lily. You’ve made her happy.”
“It’s my pleasure. She’s a great kid.” She hesitates for a moment then says, “I’ll see you at the school.”
I open the door. “See you then.” God, we’re standing at the doorway talking to each other like strangers.
She walks out of the house. For a moment, I watch her as she makes her way up the driveway. As I stare at her retreating back, I wonder if letting her go is the biggest mistake of my life.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
ALYSSA
Walking into Lily’s school, I’m surprised I’m here. What was I thinking? I’m supposed to be breaking away from Hayden, not getting involved in his daughter’s schoolwork. All it took for me to agree was her pleading, puppy dog eyes that pulled at my heartstrings and the way Hayden said ‘we would love for you to join us’ in his oh-so-sexy voice. Even though he saidweand notI, it still tipped me over the edge. I couldn’t refuse.
Splaying my hand over my stomach, I take a deep breath. All morning I’ve been a jittery mess; not knowing what to expect is making me nauseous. Following the signs to Lily’s classroom, I find it at the top of a set of stairs. Kids and parents are gathered in front of the room. Standing taller than any other parent is Hayden. My stomach flips at the sight of him. Will that ever go away? I doubt it.
Like he feels my presence, his head turns toward me. Our eyes lock, and a smile tugs at his lips. The man is beautiful. Everything inside me is drawing me toward him. Instead, I stand still on the spot, wishing that his love for me was unconditional.
When Lily sees me, she comes running over. “You came!”
“I said I would.”
“Dad told me you might be busy.”
My head snaps up to look at Hayden. He dips his head with a sheepish expression. This is a strange situation to be in, so I don’t blame him for thinking I might cancel. “I’m excited to see your diorama.”
Hayden’s gaze travels the length of my body. Not in a I-want-to-strip-your-clothes-off kind of way, but one of surprise. “What are you wearing?”
Self-consciously, I glance down at my clothes. “Is this not okay?”
I had to make a mad dash to Harper’s house to borrow a dress and shoes. All my clothes are black and look like they belong in a biker club. I couldn’t show up at Lily’s classroom looking like I’ve stepped off a Harley. The soft pink fabric of the flowy dress keeps getting stuck between my legs when I walk, and the sandals—which are a size too big—keep slipping around on my feet. How people wear stuff like this is a joke.
“You look great. It’s just…different. I’m not used to seeing you wearing color.” He gives me an appraising gaze.
“Can we go inside now?” Lily grabs onto my hand and tugs at my arm.
“Let’s see your amazing schoolwork, Lily Pily,” Hayden says. He holds his arm out and gestures for Lily to lead the way.
In the room, I’m met with an explosion of color. Painted pictures are hanging from string strung across the room. Art is pinned to the walls. Desks scattered with colored paper, pencils, and crayons are lined neatly in the middle of the room. Writtenon the whiteboard isWelcome to our class. The room is so fun and inviting. All the kids are buzzing to show their loved ones their work.
